ACCESS TO MAPLE LEAF LOUNGES

You’ll also be able to relax in style or get work done in peace thanks to access to Maple Leaf Lounges in 16 airports across Canada, the U.S. and Europe.

Cannabis and business travel between Canada and the US: What you need to know

On October 9, 2018, U.S. Customs and Border Protection updated their statement on Canada's Legalization of Marijuana and Crossing the Border. The statement reads in part "A Canadian citizen working in or facilitating the proliferation of the legal marijuana industry in Canada, coming to the U.S. for reasons unrelated to the marijuana industry will generally be admissible to the U.S. however, if a traveler is found to be coming to the U.S. for reason related to the marijuana industry, they may be deemed inadmissible."

Updating travel policies in light of legal cannabis

As recreational marijuana is legal throughout Canada, travel managers both in and out of the cannabis industry must consider how it will affect employees who regularly cross the U.S. border. Even if travellers are not associated with the cannabis industry but use cannabis products recreationally, they could be barred from crossing into the U.S.

Furthermore, regardless of the legal status of cannabis within the U.S. or Canada, transporting cannabis products into or out of Canada is still illegal. Any traveller with cannabis products on their person should declare them before entering the country. Failure to do so could result in legal action.

To prevent trouble down the road, update your travel policy to address marijuana use and how to answer questions at the border from U.S. border agents.

WESTJET UNVEILS REFRESHED BRAND IMAGE

The refreshed brand image outlines WestJet's global ambitions and heralds new products aimed at International and Premium travellers. Called, Love Where You're Going, the new WestJet commercial can be viewed here.

In addition to the announcement of the brand refresh, Sims also revealed that WestJet will launch its first three 787 Dreamliner non-stop routes from Calgary to Paris, Dublin and London to become the first Canadian airline to base its Dreamliner aircraft out of YYC Calgary International Airport. Both announcements will have substantial beneficial economic impacts on the Alberta region.

Finally, as part of the new WestJet, Sims also announced that WestJet Rewards will introduce a new Platinum tier, making it easier for WestJet Rewards members to get even more value from the frequent flyer program as the airline heads global. The tier is targeted for launch later this year. Details on the new WestJet Rewards Platinum tier and other changes to the program can be found here.